FACTORS AFFECTING HEARING AID USE

Abstract

Hearing aids improve the communication and quality of life of persons with
hearing loss. Despite this, today substantial number of hearing aid users reject to use
hearing aids regularly. The aim of the study was to determine the side effects and complaints
associated with the hearing aids as factors affecting hearing aid use.
Majority of patients reported acoustic feedback (unpleasant sound from the device)
as a main side effect associated with hearing aid use. Second important complaint
was poor benefit from the hearing aid. The patients had feeling that their hearing aids
did not help sufficiently. Other side effects and complaints associated with hearing aid
use have also been reported: background noise is uncomfortably loud, short battery life,
poor sound quality, bad fitting, ear pain, fullness sensation in the ears, hearing aid users
cannot operate the device themselves, stigmatization, and feeling nervous.
Degree of hearing loss is also a factor contributing to use or rejection of hearing
aid. Patients with a higher degree of hearing loss wear their hearing aids longer in a day.